scholarly journals Brenda Milner: Pioneer of the Study of the Human Frontal Lobes

2022 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan Kolb

Although the behavioral effects of damage to the frontal lobes date back to at least the late 19th century even midway through the 20th century very little was known about human frontal lobe function and there was a general consensus that the frontal lobe did not play a key role in cognition. This all changed when Brenda Milner published a chapter in a 1964 volume entitled: The Frontal Granular Cortex and Behavior. Milner’s chapter, “Some effects of frontal lobectomy in man,” was the first systematic study of the effect of frontal lobe excisions on cognition in human patients. Milner had access to a unique population of frontal excision patients at the Montreal Neurological Institute that were being treated by Wilder Penfield and his associates for a wide range of neurological disorders, including intractable epilepsy. Milner and her colleagues engaged in a more than 50-year study that has had a formidable impact on our understanding of frontal lobe function. Paralleling studies of frontal lobe function in non-humans they influence on understanding the evolution and function of the prefrontal cortex of mammals. Thus, although Brenda Milner is best known for her studies of human memory, she has had an equally important contribution to our understanding of the frontal lobes.

2001 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 649-649
Author(s):  
D.S. Knopman

All you ever wanted to know about the human frontal lobes seems to be contained in this multiauthored text, at least up to 1996 or 1997. The editors, Miller and Cummings, are acknowledged experts on the topic of human disorders of the frontal lobes. They have done a monumental job of collecting 53 authors and 34 chapters. The book is divided into five sections, frontal lobe neuroanatomy, frontal lobe neurochemistry and neurophysiology, frontal lobe neuropsychology, neurological diseases involving the frontal lobes, and psychiatric diseases involving the frontal lobes.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Sara B. Festini ◽  
Benjamin Katz

Prior research has demonstrated that the frontal lobes play a critical role in the top–down control of behavior, and damage to the frontal cortex impairs performance on tasks that require executive control (e.g., Burgess & Stuss, 2017; Stuss & Levine, 2002). Across executive functioning tasks, performance deficits are often quantified as the number of false alarms per the total number of nontarget trials. However, most studies of frontal lobe function focus on individual task performance and do not discuss commonalities of errors committed across different tasks. Here, we describe a neurocognitive account that explores the link between deficient frontal lobe function and increased false alarms across an array of experimental tasks from a variety of task domains. We review evidence for heightened false alarms following frontal deficits in episodic long-term memory tests, working memory tasks (e.g., n-back), attentional tasks (e.g., continuous performance tasks), interference control tasks (e.g., recent probes), and inhibitory control tasks (e.g., go/no-go). We examine this relationship via neuroimaging studies, lesion studies, and across age groups and pathologies that impact the pFC, and we propose 11 issues in cognitive processing that can result in false alarms. In our review, some overlapping neural regions were implicated in the regulation of false alarms. Ultimately, however, we find evidence for the fractionation and localization of certain frontal processes related to the commission of specific types of false alarms. We outline avenues for additional research that will enable further delineation of the fractionation of the frontal lobes' regulation of false alarms.


1952 ◽  
Vol 98 (412) ◽  
pp. 389-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. T. Thorpe ◽  
James Hardman

In recent years efforts have been made to analyse the part played by the frontal lobes in the integration of personality. The pioneer work of Bianchi (1922) based on pathological lesions in human subjects, and on experimental bilateral ablations in monkeys, dogs and foxes, still appears to be as true to-day as when originally enunciated. Sherrington (1901) also described the changes following destruction of the frontal lobes. It was noted that such animals lost the power to learn and to enjoy themselves. They had no curiosity, but became restless, hyperactive and easily distracted. Brickner (1936) studied over many years a patient with bilateral frontal lobectomy who showed a diminished ability to synthesize abstract thoughts. Goldstein (1941) found that patients with frontal lobe damage lose their power for abstract thought and this is replaced by concrete behaviour, as shown by object grouping tests and their use of words. Similarly Penfield and Hebb (1940), in a case of extensive lobectomy for an infiltrating oligodendroglioma in an intelligent housewife, described a lack of ability for complex planning, such as is necessary for preparing a meal of several courses. Jefferson (1937) was unable to find any deficiency in cases of unilateral lobectomy. Rylander (1939), on the contrary, after lobectomy for tumours was able to detect changes similar to those found by Goldstein, and in cases with frontal lobe injury he found a lack of social sense. These patients were embarrassingly outspoken, and sometimes showed excessive activity or fatigue. Hebb (1945) concluded that studies on pathological lesions of the frontal lobes were not very helpful, owing to the lack of precision of the lesions due to the uncertain extent of the pathology.


Neurology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 88 (7) ◽  
pp. 692-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn M. Busch ◽  
Darlene P. Floden ◽  
Lisa Ferguson ◽  
Shamseldeen Mahmoud ◽  
Audrina Mullane ◽  
...  

Objective:This retrospective cohort study characterized cognitive and motor outcomes in a large sample of adults who underwent frontal lobe resections for treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsy.Methods:Ninety patients who underwent unilateral frontal lobe resection for epilepsy (42 language-dominant hemisphere/48 nondominant hemisphere) between 1989 and 2014 completed comprehensive preoperative and postoperative neuropsychological evaluations that included measures of verbal and nonverbal intellectual functioning, attention/working memory, processing speed, language, executive functioning, verbal and visual memory, and motor functioning. Objective methods were used to assess meaningful change across a wide range of abilities and to identify factors associated with neuropsychological decline following frontal lobectomy. Detailed postoperative neuroimaging analysis was conducted to characterize region, extent, and volume of resection.Results:Forty-eight percent of patients did not demonstrate meaningful postoperative declines in cognition and an additional 42% demonstrated decline in 1 or 2 cognitive domains. When cognitive decline was observed, it usually occurred on measures of intelligence, visuomotor processing speed, or executive functioning. Side and site of resection were unrelated to cognitive outcome, but played a role in decline of contralateral manual dexterity following supplementary motor area resection. Higher preoperative ability, older age at surgery, absence of a malformation of cortical development on MRI, and poor seizure outcome were related to cognitive decline on some measures, but had poor sensitivity in identifying at-risk patients.Conclusions:The vast majority of patients who undergo frontal lobectomy for treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsy demonstrate good cognitive and motor outcomes.


1994 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 565-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W. Thatcher

AbstractA new theory of frontal lobe development is presented in which the role of the human frontal lobes during normal development and the psychopathological consequences of early frontal lobe injury are explored. Analyses of the development of human electroencephalograph (EEG) coherence indicate that there are oscillations and cyclic growth processes along the mediolateral and anterior-posterior planes of the brain. The cycles of EEG coherence are interpreted as repetitive sequences of increasing and decreasing synaptic effectiveness that reflects a convergence process that narrows the disparity between structure and function by slowly sculpting and reshaping the brain's microanatomy. This process is modeled as a developmental spiral staircase in which brain structures are periodically revisited resulting in stepwise increases in differentiation and integration. The frontal lobes play a crucial role because they are largely responsible for the selection and pruning of synaptic contacts throughout the postnatal period. A mathematical model of cycles of synaptic effectiveness is presented in which the frontal lobes behave as gentle synaptic “predators” whereas posterior cortical regions behave as synaptic “prey” in a periodic reorganization process. The psychopathological consequences of early frontal lobe damage are discussed in the context of this model.


2016 ◽  
pp. 126-129
Author(s):  
M. Makarenko ◽  
◽  
D. Hovsyeyev ◽  
L. Sydoryk ◽  
◽  
...  

Different kinds of physiological stress cause mass changes in the cells, including the changes in the structure and function of the protein complexes and in separate molecules. The protein functions is determined by its folding (the spatial conclusion), which depends on the functioning of proteins of thermal shock- molecular chaperons (HSPs) or depends on the stress proteins, that are high-conservative; specialized proteins that are responsible for the correct proteinaceous folding. The family of the molecular chaperones/ chaperonins/ Hsp60 has a special place due to the its unique properties of activating the signaling cascades through the system of Toll-like receptors; it also stimulates the cells to produce anti- inflammatory cytokines, defensins, molecules of cell adhesion and the molecules of MHC; it functions as the intercellular signaling molecule. The pathological role of Hsp60 is established in a wide range of illnesses, from diabetes to atherosclerosis, where Hsp60 takes part in the regulation of both apoptosis and the autoimmune processes. The presence of the HSPs was found in different tissues that are related to the reproductive system. Key words: molecular chaperons (HSPs), Toll-like receptors, reproductive function, natural auto antibody.


2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 243-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohan Yoo

This article demonstrates the need for the iconic status and function of Buddhist scripture to receive more attention by illuminating how lay Korean Buddhists try to appropriate the power of sutras. The oral and aural aspects of scripture, explained by Wilfred Cantwell Smith, provide only a limited understanding of the characteristics of scripture. It should be noted that, before modern times, most lay people, not only in Buddhist cultures but also in Christian and other traditions, neither had the chance to recite scriptures nor to listen to their recitations regularly. Several clear examples demonstrate contemporary Korean Buddhists’ acceptance of the iconic status of sutras and their attempt to appropriate the power and status of those sacred texts. In contemporary Korea, lay Buddhists try to claim the power of scriptures in their daily lives by repeating and possessing them. Twenty-first century lay believers who cannot read or recite in a traditional style have found new methods of repetition, such as internet programs for copying sacred texts and for playing recordings of their recitations. In addition, many Korean Buddhists consider the act of having sutras in one’s possession to be an effective way of accessing the sacred status and power of these texts. Hence, various ways of possessing them have been developed in a wide range of products, from fancy gilded sutras to sneakers embroidered with mantras.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Rahmadini Darwas

<p><strong><em>Abstract<br /></em></strong><em>Laboratory is one of the supporting facilities in im[roving the learning process. Problems found by students regarding the information system laboratory facilities at STMIK Indonesia Padang are</em><em> the computers that suddenly die when operated, the less cold room, display data is blurred, making the inconvenience in the learning process that causes the students less satisfied with the services provided. Students will feel satisfied if the service is expected to match the received. Therefore, a decision support system is needed to analyze the quality of services provided to the students so that it can support the role and function of the laboratory optimally and what attributes need to be improved the quality of service. The method used is Fuzzy Service Quality (Servqual) method. The results showed that the service quality received was not in accordance with the expected because there is a gap of -1.55 for tangibles dimension. Attributes that need to be improved the quality of services are laboratory space is cool and comfortable, the use of laboratories relevant to the field of science, the responsibility of laboratory assistant, the availability of professional teachers and attitudes and behavior of labor officers.<br /></em></p><p><strong><em>Abstrak<br /></em></strong>Laboratorium merupakan salah satu fasilitas pendukung dalam meningkatkan proses pembelajaran. Permasalahan yang ditemukan mahasiswa mengenai fasilitas laboratorium sistem informasi pada STMIK Indonesia Padang adalah komputer yang tiba-tiba mati saat dioperasikan, ruangan yang kurang dingin, data <em>display</em> yang buram sehingga membuat ketidaknyamanan dalam proses pembelajaran yang menyebabkan mahasiswa kurang puas terhadap layanan yang diberikan. Mahasiswa akan merasa puas apabila layanan yang diharapkan sesuai dengan yang diterima. Oleh sebab itu, diperlukan suatu sistem pendukung keputusan untuk menganalisis kualitas layanan yang diberikan kepada mahasiswa sehingga dapat mendukung peran dan fungsi laboratorium secara optimal serta atribut apa saja yang perlu ditingkatkan kualitas layanannya. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode <em>Fuzzy Service Quality </em>(<em>Servqua</em>l). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kualitas layanan yang diterima belum sesuai dengan yang diharapkan karena terdapat <em>gap</em> sebesar -1.55 untuk dimensi <em>tangibles</em>. Atribut yang perlu ditingkatkan kualitas layanannya yaitu ruangan laboratorium yang sejuk dan nyaman, penggunaan laboratorium yang relevan dengan bidang ilmu, tanggungjawab asisten labor, tersedianya tenaga pengajar yang professional dan sikap serta perilaku petugas labor</p><p><strong><em>Kata kunci</em></strong><strong> : sistem pendukung keputusan, laboratorium, <em>fuzzy</em>, <em>servqual</em></strong></p><p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>


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